Buddha statue & Hussain Sagar : Hyderabad has one of the world's largest freestanding stone Buddha statues. The 17.5 m high 350 tonne monolith was ferried to its place in the Hussain Sagar, the barge sank taking eight people with it. It was raised from water in 1992 and is on a plinth in the middle of the lake.

Boats operate from Lumbini park to the statue (Rs 25, 30 minute return trip). Admission fee for statue is Rs 2, Monday closed. From the Tankbund road has great views of Buddha statue.

State museum : Has a small collection of important archaeological finds from the area (Rs 10, Friday closed). Health museum is nearby.

Birla planetarium & science museum : Located near the secretariat on a hill (planetarium Rs 15, museum Rs 13). Planetarium has English shows at 11.30 am, 4 pm and 6 pm.

Birla Mandir : The white marble temple is on a rocky hill at southern end of Hussain Sagar near the Birla planetarium. It is a popular Hindu pilgrimage centre with excellent views over the city, especially at sunset.